Various Macro Beasties

[IPClark]

Not been about for a while but I'm still around and still taking shots. Not as many as I would like as I'm so busy with other mundane stuff (except looking after my little'un that is) that I have less time for shooting :(

Anyway, Here's a selection of beasties photographed today. Some using Kenko extension tubes and the Sigma 105 and a few just using the trusty Sigma 105. ALL taken hand held which was easier due to the faster shutter speed and smaller aperture I was using. I also had the 430 EX II on diffused.

Not sure if this one is a wasp or a hover fly, it seemed too passive to be a wasp. I "Just" missed the focus on this shot which I'm a bit gutted about but still, it's not a complete failure :)

All comments happily accepted :)

Image Date: 2009:07:12 16:41:04
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/10.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#1
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173704_9Xrij-O.jpg


The next shot is of a fly. I think it's a simple common fly. This one was about 5 or 6mm in length. I'll happily be corrected on the species :) This was taken with the 36mm extension tube on (I think)

Image Date: 2009:07:12 17:01:44
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#2
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173304_8ohBw-O.jpg

The ever tireless bee. I did try to get a BIF but failed miserably.

Image Date: 2009:07:12 18:31:50 and 18:31:33 respectively.
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Mode: Manual

#3
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173263_xcVAZ-O.jpg
#4
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173248_PP8hC-O.jpg

The final three shots were of a common garden spider (Cross spider) I believe. It was residing in our conservatory. This particular specimen was also about 5 or 6mm in length of the body, the eyes probably less than 0.5mm each. These were taken with a combination of tubes on. Can't remember what though.

Image Date: 2009:07:12 20:11:27 / 20:15:36
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0013 s (1/800)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Mode: Manual

#5
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173612_xHhmN-XL.jpg
#6
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589179107_RgRqv-O.jpg

Image Date: 2009:07:12 20:19:31
Flash Used: Yes (Manual)
Focal Length: 105.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 400
Exposure Mode: Manual

#7
http://ipc.smugmug.com/photos/589173604_2G2Uh-O.jpg

[Lord Vetinari]

LOvely series of shots - #1 is a hoverfly
Brian V.

[IPClark]

Thanks Brian,

I thought as much though couldn't be certain. It just seemed so passive for a "wasp" like fly :)

Cheers.

[Skippy]

Not been about for a while but I'm still around and still taking shots. Not as many as I would like as I'm so busy with other mundane stuff (except looking after my little'un that is) that I have less time for shooting :(

Anyway, Here's a selection of beasties photographed today. Some using Kenko extension tubes and the Sigma 105 and a few just using the trusty Sigma 105. ALL taken hand held which was easier due to the faster shutter speed and smaller aperture I was using. I also had the 430 EX II on diffused.

Not sure if this one is a wasp or a hover fly, it seemed too passive to be a wasp. I "Just" missed the focus on this shot which I'm a bit gutted about but still, it's not a complete failure :)

All comments happily accepted :)


#1



The next shot is of a fly. I think it's a simple common fly. This one was about 5 or 6mm in length. I'll happily be corrected on the species :) This was taken with the 36mm extension tube on (I think)

#2


The ever tireless bee. I did try to get a BIF but failed miserably.


#3

#4


The final three shots were of a common garden spider (Cross spider) I believe. It was residing in our conservatory. This particular specimen was also about 5 or 6mm in length of the body, the eyes probably less than 0.5mm each. These were taken with a combination of tubes on. Can't remember what though.


#5

#6



#7




Hi Ian, those Extension Tubes really come in handy.
I love the Spider shots :thumb .... Skippy :D
.

[IPClark]

Thanks Skippy :)

I'm having fun with them for sure.. closest thing I can get to an MPE-65... but one day, I'll have one.

Walk... then Run ;)

Just noticed that Hoverfly on Yellow is popular, saw Chrissiebeez_NL's one. Hovers do look great on yellow :)

[Chrissiebeez_NL]

they sure do! love yours too :thumb

like the first and last shot most, the rest have a bit harsh lighting. I have the same problem, so i've just build a coca can diffuser and im very curious about the results. May be a option for you too. I'll post some results :thumb

[IPClark]

Hi Chrissie,
I agree, the lighting can be somewhat harsh. However, I have had another read over Brians excellent tutorials and I hadn't realised that he uses the Wide Angle disperser on his flash.

I have been playing around a touch today with the WA Disperser down and my sto-fen mounted and I have to say, visibly, the overall image has a nicer even lighting. The images I took were a little OOF due to the fact that I was having a balance issue due to the fact I didn't want to kneel in soil in clean jeans and I had nothing to hand to put down. :)

I think I'm going to have a go at creating a diffuser like Brians too.

Thanks btw for the compliment as well.

[GOLDENORFE]

the bumble bee shots look best, agree with light.
what are you using on front of diffuser?

phil

[IPClark]

Hi Phil,

I'm using a simple Sto-Fen diffuser on the 430EX. Contemplating making a LordV Diffuser :)

[GOLDENORFE]

from other peoples reports on sto-fens they block more light instead of diffusing it.
kitchen towel on a home made one will be much better
phil

[IPClark]

Thanks Phil. At least the Sto-Fens are cheap so I've not spent lots and lots out. :)

Will work on a makeshift one :)..